Communication Officer (Paris, France) contract NEW

Type of contract : Consultant Contract

Level :  Level 2 – Middle

Hiring Unit : Social and Human Sciences Sector (SHS)

Duty Station : Paris

Work location : Remote

Duration of contract : 11 months

Hiring open to : External candidates

Application deadline (Midnight UTC+2 Time) : 08/06/2026

UNESCO Core Values: Commitment to the Organization, Integrity, Respect for Diversity, Professionalism

We are looking for a Communication Officer who will work from Paris to contribute to the design and implementation of the communication strategy of the UNESCO Special Envoy for Peace and Reconciliation, Forest Whitaker, and the Whitaker Peace & Development Initiative (WPDI) to support its partnership with UNESCO as well as its programs aimed at promoting the roles of youth and women in peacebuilding and sustainable development.

Background

The Whitaker Peace & Development Initiative (WPDI) was founded in 2012 by artist and social activist Forest Whitaker, following his appointment as UNESCO Special Envoy for Peace and Reconciliation. WPDI is a non-governmental organization committed to fostering peace and resilience in places affected by violence, poverty, environmental disruption, and marginalization. In Africa, Europe, as well as Latin and North America, WPDI develops a wide range of programs aimed at training and supporting underprivileged individuals and groups, with a particular focus on youth and women, enabling them to become mediators, educators, entrepreneurs, and leaders, fostering positive transformation within their communities and beyond. To achieve its objectives, WPDI works with the communities to design and implement integrated programs in the four areas of Peacebuilding, Livelihood, Health and Well-being, and Sports, and works in close partnership with UNESCO and other United Nations agencies, including UN Women, IOM, and UNHCR.

Main Duties & Responsibilities

The Communication Officer ensures the design and implementation of the communication strategy for UNESCO Special Envoy Forest Whitaker and our programs distributed in 11 locations across South Africa, South Sudan, Uganda, Mexico, France, and the United States.

The incumbent will work under the direct supervision of the Liaison Officer for the UNESCO Special Envoy for Peace and Reconciliation.

The Communication Officer’s duties and responsibilities include, but are not restricted to:

• Liaise with all relevant units of the Secretariat, including the Executive Office of the ADG (SC/EO), to ensure communication regarding the partnership between UNESCO and the UNESCO Special Envoy for Peace and Reconciliation, notably for his participation in UNESCO-led or UNESCO-sponsored events, including via video messages.

• Support the partnership strategy of WPDI by preparing appropriate communication materials, including with a view to new synergies between WPDI and the Sciences Sector of UNESCO.

• Drive development and implementation of the Communication strategy of WPDI on all touchpoints, i.e social media, website, newsletters, and print.

• Build and manage specific communications plans for partners or events.

• Draft and edit op-eds, articles, speeches, blog posts, press releases, human-interest stories, newsletters, media kits, and other advocacy/information materials for both web-based and traditional media.

• Support the missions of the UNESCO Special Envoy for Peace and Reconciliation through the preparation of briefings and fact sheets.

• Coordinate the preparation of high-visibility activities of WPDI, including campaigns and events.

• Ensure quality and dissemination of reports and technical materials to heighten the visibility of the programs deployed by WPDI/UNESCO in its target countries.

11 months.

• Communication plan for the UNESCO Special Envoy for Peace and Reconciliation
• Annual communication report
• Content library including social media posts, op-eds, web stories, and videos

• Communication (C)
• Accountability (C)
• Innovation (C)
• Knowlegde sharing and continuous improvement (C)
• Planning and organizing (C)
• Results focus (C)
• Teamwork (C)

For detailed information, please consult the UNESCO Competency Framework.

EDUCATION

Advanced University Degree (Master’s or equivalent) in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, or other relevant fields of study.

WORK EXPERIENCE

Minimum 5 years of relevant professional work experience in communications, print media, digital and social media, public relations, or other relevant fields of work.

SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES

• Excellent oral and written skills; excellent drafting, formulation, and reporting skills;
• Accuracy and professionalism in document production and editing;
• Excellent interpersonal skills; culturally and socially sensitive; familiarity with tools and approaches of communications for development;
• Ability to work effectively in a multicultural team of international and national personnel;
• Solid overall computer literacy, including proficiency in various applications of MS Office and Google Workspace, and programs such as Adobe XD, InDesign, MailChimp; familiarity with database management and office technology equipment;
• Self-motivated, ability to work with minimum supervision; ability to work with tight deadlines.

LANGUAGES

• Excellent knowledge of English, both spoken and written.
• Ability to work in French and/or Spanish would be a plus.

An up-to-date CV must be submitted to the “My Employment History Form / My Documents” section of the online application.

Only applications with the above-requested information can be considered.

Please note that the consultant’s salary expectations must be expressed in gross amounts. Consultants are responsible for determining their tax liabilities and for the payment of any taxes and/or duties in accordance with local laws. UNESCO will not reimburse any taxes, duties or other contributions for which the Individual Specialist may be liable in respect of any payments made to him/her under the terms of this contract.

Please note that all candidates must complete an on-line application and provide complete and accurate information, by the above deadline.

To apply, please visit the UNESCO Careers website. No modifications can be made to the application once submitted. 

The process may include pre-recorded video interviews and/or written assessments, interviews with a Panel, as well as reference checks. In addition, candidates may be requested to provide additional information which may be pertinent to the position’s qualifications.  

Please note that all candidates, whether selected or not, will be informed of the outcome of their application in due course. 

Short-listed candidates may also be added to Talent Pools; subject to their consent (i.e. Data Privacy Statement).

• UNESCO recalls that paramount consideration in the appointment of personnel shall be the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, technical competence and integrity.
• UNESCO applies a zero-tolerance policy against all forms of harassment.
• lndividuals from minority groups and indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply.
• All applications will be treated with the highest level of confidentiality.
• The statutory retirement age at UNESCO is 65 years.
• UNESCO does not charge a fee at any stage of the hiring process.